Stop Harmful Malpractice Bills That Increase Our Liability Premiums!
Colleagues:
Last year, MSSNY and our partners coordinated an extensive grassroots campaign in opposition to a bill that would have greatly expanded damages awardable in wrongful death actions—and dramatically increased liability insurance premiums.
We loudly argued our concerns that these changes were untenable, and patient access to our already stressed healthcare system would be exacerbated if this bill were to be enacted. Governor Hochul heard our concerns and vetoed the bill in January. Thank you to all our physician colleagues who participated in our efforts and contributed to our success.
But, as we warned when the veto was announced, the fight is not over. We need your help again. Now a new version of this bill (A.6698/S.6636) has been introduced in the Senate and Assembly. Unfortunately, this legislation does not address the concerns raised by the Governor in vetoing the bill, as it would significantly increase the type of awardable damages in New York and threaten the stability of our already struggling healthcare safety net.
MSSNY and its allies are already pushing back against this new proposal. Read Local Governments Seek Cost Assessment of Wrongful Death Expansion.
MSSNY stands ready to work with the Senate and Assembly on a revised bill to ensure legal remedies for grieving families, but it also must protect the ability of New York’s physicians, hospitals, and health care workers to deliver the care our patients expect and deserve. They cannot do this if the legislature increases their enormous liability insurance cost burden, which already far exceeds every other state in the country. Worst of all, these costs would disproportionately impact physicians working in underserved communities.
We must once again come together to make our physician voices heard. I urge you to please contact your local Assemblymembers and Senators urging that renewed legislation to update New York’s wrongful death law be balanced to address the extraordinary medical liability costs in our state. Send a letter quickly and easily from ourGrassroots Action Center.
Paul A. Pipia, MD
President
